Roofing demand in the U.S. is slated to reach 278 million squares (2.5 trillion m2) in 2010 with value expected to rise to $14 billion, according to a survey by Cleveland-based Freedonia Group Inc. Among the various roofing materials, metal and plastic will see the fastest growth. From a regional perspective, the fastest growth in roofing-product demand is expected to be in the West and South. Those regions boast favorable construction spending, economic growth and population gains.
The Rosemont, Ill.-based National Roofing Contractors Association also conducted a survey of its members, which found that architectural metal roofs in new home construction reached a projected 30 percent of the market in 2007, which is a 23 percent increase from 2004. As a result of the Belfair, Wash.- based Metal Roofing Alliance’s advertising efforts, the cities in the surrounding areas of the Emphasis Markets continue to see a consistent flow of traffic on www.metalroofing.com. The Emphasis Markets target print, television, radio and online advertising, as well as national and local mediarelations efforts to increase awareness about metal roofing. Birmingham, Ala., and its surrounding cities saw a 9 percent increase in site traffic from May to June 2008, and Harrisburg, Pa., and its surrounding cities saw a 14 percent increase in site traffic during the same timeframe.